Help! Love, MOM

Senator Joni Ernst: A Solid, Republican Leader

Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa has built a distinguished career rooted in service—first as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa National Guard and now as a U.S. Senator.

Her legislative record reflects a strong commitment to conservative values.

For example, causes that she supports include advocating for fiscal responsibility, strong pro-life policies, and championing deregulation to empower small businesses.

As the Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, Ernst has been instrumental in pushing for reforms like the PROVE IT Act.

The PROVE IT Act aims to reduce bureaucratic red tape and ensure that new regulations consider their impact on small businesses.

However, recent events have highlighted the importance of balancing firm political convictions with listening, warm empathy, and genuine understanding of constituents’ concerns.

During a town hall, Senator Ernst faced backlash after responding flippantly, some have said, cruelly, to a question about Medicaid cuts by stating, “Well, we’re all going to die.”

Instead of offering a sincere apology, she released a video filmed in what appeared to be a graveyard, which many perceived as dismissive and sarcastic.

This incident underscores a broader challenge for Christian leaders in politics: the need to remain true to one’s political stance and party while also showing genuine empathy for the experiences of constituents.

For Christians in leadership, this means not only advocating for policies that align with their political values but also actively listening to the concerns of those they serve and responding with compassion, which is nothing more than Christ’s love in action.

Practical ways to demonstrate empathy could include connecting voters with private-sector resources, phasing in the new requirements, or incentivizing healthy lifestyle choices.

For instance, when discussing healthcare reforms, leaders can collaborate with local businesses and organizations to provide alternative support systems for those affected by policy changes.

This approach not only helps mitigate the impact of policy decisions but also fosters a sense of caring, community connection, and shared responsibility.

That health care is such a fraught issue in our society seems to be lost on many Americans. Perhaps due to good genes, a fitness-focused lifestyle, or a robust, generous insurer, some seem to be insulated from the effects of inadequate health insurance.

Certainly, there are others with troubling stories.

A Tale of 2 Iowans

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthCare, who was a native of Iowa, was murdered on a cold morning in New York City in December 2024, allegedly by Luigi Mangione.

It was soon speculated that Mangione was possibly motivated by animosity toward the healthcare system.

Shockingly, Thompson’s murder garnered a torrent of incendiary commentary lifting up Mangione as a hero while villainizing, specifically the deceased CEO and UnitedHealthcare, as well as the American health care industry generally.

Other commenters cited many issues, among those being, according to The Hill, that “UnitedHealthCare … recently deployed an AI system to deny elderly patients’ claims with a staggering 90 percent error rate.”

I take this to mean that out of every 10 claims, 9 were processed incorrectly. That is to say that the delay or denial of those claims was due to a known software glitch @ UHC.

Take that statement in and hold it up against the heckler at Senator Ernst’s town hall, and we can better understand that person’s shouted commentary.

Obvious, not Ugly Christians

Ugly American is a derogatory phrase for Americans who do offensive things while traveling abroad.

The bible calls Christians “foreigners and exiles” (or “pilgrims and strangers” if, like me, you’re used to the King James version of the Bible).

This is because the Bible’s view of the Christian life is that of temporary residency with Heaven being our true and eternal home.

Christians are, traveling abroad, as it were. We do well to show the love of
Christ as clearly as we can in our vocations.

I hope that the senator, who alluded to being a Christian in the “apology” video, is reminded that good leadership requires a balance between political conviction and personal compassion.

For the next encounter I encourage her to empathetically listen to voters’ concerns. This will tend to show compassion for constituents’ lived experiences.

Also the Senator might consider utilizing her powerful position to foster “boots on the ground” service to Iowans to help counter the effects of health care cuts.

Finally, while Senator Joni Ernst’s record exemplifies a strong commitment to Republican principles as well as a sensitivity to many of her constituents’ concerns, it sounds as if her controversial responses to constituents at her recent town hall may undo the perception of her as a senator who gets things accomplished.

It’s a thoroughly challenging job, but Christians showing the love and strength of Christ are needed in public spaces like town halls and in the Senate of the United States of America.

Matthew 25:35-40 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Blessings!

xoxoKimberly